Study: Poverty fueling Muslim tension with West

Source: Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Joblessness and poverty are a more potent source of tension between Muslims and wider European and U.S. society than religious differences, one of the first major studies of Muslim integration since the Sept. 11 terror attacks claimed on Thursday.

Attacks by Islamic extremists on the United States and European capitals such as Madrid and London have sparked debate on whether a failure of Muslims to integrate into Western society has fueled extremism.

But a study of around 30,000 people in 27 countries by the Gallup polling company claims non-Muslims — including the public and lawmakers — have misunderstood the attitudes of most Muslims in the West, stifling attempts to promote understanding.

These Muslims are more patriotic, more tolerant and more likely to reject violence than the rest of Western society believes they are, the study claims. It suggests most European Muslims, for example, are as happy as other Europeans to live alongside people of other faiths and ethnic backgrounds, and share broadly similar views with their neighbors.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iyVmDICdRa154uWr0imPN3-9KmMgD981JIPG0

No kidding, that was the argument used by Islamic fundamentalists against Marxists in the Middle East. Trying to improve the human condition by abolishing class differences and pushing for social and economic justice was considered anti-Islamic.

Consider the economic disparity between the ruling class in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, etc., and the vast majority of the people living in those countries.

The key thing that divides people is poverty and depravation," said Mohammed Shafiq, of the British Muslim organization the Ramadhan Foundation.

Depravation? Hope that was a typo!

Read more here.

http://www.muslimwestfacts.com/mwf/118249/Gallup-Coexist-Index-2009.aspx

It's the actual report, not a reporter's interpretation of what a publicist considered appopriate to put in the press release from an advocacy group.